The competition-specific updates and competitor preparation instructions listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, professional development test study guide, national competitor online submission/testing requirements and more. A competition update covers anything that is not listed in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards and that a competitor and/or advisor needs to be aware of for the national competition. Your state specific competition updates are NOT published on the national website.
Start here for the Keys to Success and review the SkillsUSA National Competitor Checklist that outlines important resources and pre-conference requirements.
Note: No live animals or biohazardous materials are allowed as part of any competition.
Note for competitors who have devices that connect to Internet: The Wi-Fi Internet access in the Georgia World Congress Center (where the SkillsUSA Championships are held) is predominately available only on the 5GHz band. It is recommended that competitors test their device(s) prior to arriving for NLSC, and, if applicable, bring an appropriate 5GHz adaptor.
SkillsUSA Championships national competitors must complete their online submission(s) by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Check the current SkillsUSA Technical Standards and updates listed below to learn more about any required national pre-conference online submissions. All national competitors will receive their login credentials from their state director by May 21, 2025. This will include assigned competitor numbers and login credentials to SkillsUSA’s secure Competitor Portal for uploading their resume and completing any additional competition-specific requirements. Accommodation requests for the SkillsUSA Championships must be approved by the Office of Championships before any competition. Competitors must submit an accommodation attestation letter online as part of the process. State-specific competition pre-conference requirements are not published on the national website.
The following resources are available to help you create competitor resumes. While the use of the template is not mandatory, the naming convention, proper saving as a PDF, and the correct number of pages are mandatory.
The rubric is a powerful tool for incorporating SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom, offering a practical framework to boost student engagement and develop essential skills. To access a sample of leadership and occupational rubrics, click the following link: 2025 Sample Leadership and Occupational Rubrics
The SkillsUSA Professional Development Test for national competitors will be conducted pre-conference. All national competitors are required to complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test. Competitors can prepare using the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test Study Guide.
This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2024-25 school year is: SkillsUSA: Ignite Your Potential.
As needed competition-specific updates will be published here. These resources will be posted here as soon as the technical committees have finalized the competition-specific updates.
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for the 2025 NLSC:
Automotive Refinish Technology – Paint Company Rotation
| Year | Color Tinting | Spot Repair | Prime and Block |
| 2025 | PPG | Axalta | Sherwin Williams |
| 2026 | Sherwin Williams | PPG | BASF |
Updated 1-24-2025
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for the 2025 NLSC:
AST 7.0 — Perform suspension and steering related tasks identified in the Automobile Suspension and Steering Task List (ASE Test 4)
6.1. – Perform pre alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height
6.2. – Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
6.3. – Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations
6.4. – Dismount, inspect and remount tire on wheel
6.5. – Balance tire and wheel assembly
6.6. – Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss
6.7. – Repair tire using an internal patch
6.8. – Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
6.9. – Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.
6.10. – Identify and inspect steering components
6.11. – Identify and inspect suspension components
6.12. – Use reference materials provided
6.13. – Use tools provided to complete the above tasks.
The 2025 Barbering competition theme for the creative freestyle design is Fire and Ice.
January 2025 Competition Webinar (Updated 2-3-2025)
Review an insightful webinar led by our National Technical Chair, who provides key best practices for success. The session covers purpose, theme use, design considerations, size min-max, construction, binder documentation, and interview/presentation.
Updated 12-16-2024
Tips and Reminders
By following these tips, teams can create a practical and impressive display, meeting SkillsUSA standards and expectations.
January 2025 Competition Webinar
Join us for an insightful webinar led by our National Technical Chair, where we’ll explore key best practices for success. The session will cover purpose, theme use, design considerations, size min-max, construction, binder documentation, and interview/presentation.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click the link to download the 2025 Commercial sUAS-Drone-Competition Guide.
Note a technical and safety guideline update for the 2025 competition is included in the guide:
Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2025:
Crime Scene Investigation 2025 Competition Resource
Updated 10-29-24
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2025:
Criminal Justice 2025 Competition Resource
Updated 10-29-24
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
The required pre-conference briefings, timeline, and submission link for the online short film will be published here. The first digital cinema national competition briefing will be held in May and is an overview of the pre-conference requirements and timeline. The film prompt will be published in June and national competitors will have approximately one week to complete the pre-conference assignments.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The 2025 Esthetics competition fantasy theme is Under the Sea.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. The session will cover pre-conference requirements, resume, portfolio documentation, scoring rubric, and interview process.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
The game manuals for the 2025 Mobile Robotics Technology competition are available below:
Reminder the national quiz bowl competition question sources will include approximately 30 percent professional development issues, 15 percent about current events, 15 percent from LifeSmarts and 40 percent will consist of general academic knowledge.
LifeSmarts questions cover core consumer topics focusing on five key areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology. Resources are available online at LifeSmarts.org.
Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
Robotics-Urban Search and Rescue (Updated 1-24-2025)
The technical committee has provided the following clarification for the 2025 NLSC:
Teams may select any wireless camera system with the express purpose of mounting on the robot and reliably providing FPV video feed to the driver viewing device. If needed, a supplemental battery for the express use of powering the camera can be used and cannot exceed a maximum of 9 Volts.
Updated 12-12-2004
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click the link to download the SkillsUSA Robotics USAR Challenge Guide 2025.
The Urban Search and Rescue Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot can be constructed using components from the Urban Search and Rescue Challenge kit, which is available for purchase through Pitsco Education. This kit includes all the necessary materials to build a basic robot designed for participation in the Urban Search and Rescue Challenge competition.
Teams have the option to purchase and utilize one of the two robot kits referenced in the 2025 challenge guide or any commercially available robotics building platform. Either of the Pitsco Education kit’s materials list serves as a replacement for the “bill of materials” currently found in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards.
EOD robots must adhere to all parts restrictions outlined in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards’ competition guidelines “section” and are required to be operated by remote control. Robots with autonomous control capabilities will be disqualified from the competition.
Recommendation/tips:
In this context, the Engineering Notebook should enable others to follow the project journey by relying solely on the information provided by the competitors. It’s important to consider that personal perspectives can influence how the documentation is perceived. For instance, what one views as neat and professional might differ from someone else’s perspective.
To ensure clarity and accessibility, a best practice is to approach the documentation from the viewpoint of an external reviewer. Ask yourself:
By considering these questions, one can create an Engineering Notebook that not only meets personal and professional standards but also effectively communicates the project journey to others.
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for NLSC 2025: